A Dangerous Book

Gregory Stevenson opens his commentary, “Revelation is a dangerous book.” 1) “The strange symbolism of the book is a combustible mixture that often explodes into misinterpretation and abuse,” 2) “When interpreted faithfully the book of Revelation remains dangerous because it does not allow Christians to be comfortable in this world.” Richard Oster begins his commentary on the letters to the seven churches (Rev. 1 – 3) with a similar statement: “John’s messages in Revelation was too controversial and too unreasonable for those wanting to be at peace with the aspirations and mores [ethics] of the surrounding urban cultures.”

Why then have I been reading Revelation and these two scholars for an hour or two before I go to bed and sleep every night for the past month? First, I respect the work of these two scholars in our brotherhood. I highly recommend their books for anyone who wants to better understand this book of mystery (Rev. 10:7). Secondly, both Steveson and Oster say that the primary danger facing those Christians and those historic congregations at the end of the 1st century was “the threat of assimilation to their pagan milieu.” We in the 21st century must also hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

I ask myself these questions. 1) What if the Revelation is true today? 2) What if Christ is still walking among his churches (Rev. 1:12-16) in a particular critical situation, perhaps the churches in Connecticut or those living along the I-95 corridor from Washington DC to New York to Boston? 3) What if He is examining the life-style of each congregation as well as its members, especially their leaders? Are they/we anti-assimilationist and faithful witnesses like our Lord and king Jesus Christ (1:5)?

Fear not. We are not going to study Revelation. Nor am I an inspired prophet about to pronounce God’s judgment upon this church. But I do ask that we read these messages to the seven churches of Asia. You may find it difficult to go to sleep on them.

—Tom Yoakum